To avoid long wait times, some residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have discovered a new method for obtaining quick US visa appointments.
Instead of applying within the UAE, where wait times can extend to 10-12 months or more, they are applying in neighboring Gulf countries.
Officially, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai handle visa applications for UAE residents.
However, the large volume of applications results in significant delays in scheduling interviews.
How UAE residents can avoid long US visa wait times
To circumvent these delays, some UAE residents are traveling to nearby Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain.These countries have their own US diplomatic missions, and the wait times for visa interviews are much shorter.
For instance, UAE residents who apply in Oman can obtain a US visa in just seven days, a significant improvement compared to the lengthy wait in the UAE.
Shamsheed CV, a senior consultant for outbound travel at Wisefox Tourism, noted that as of July 2025, applicants in the UAE would have to wait a long time for US visa appointments.
“We are suggesting people travel to any nearby GCC country to apply to get a visa faster. In Oman, the current wait time for US visa is only three months, 2-3 weeks in Bahrain, and around the same time in Saudi Arabia. If people clear the interview, they can get their passport back in five days and fly back to the UAE. People are going to neighbouring countries to apply for US visas and overcome wait times. But a large number of people are still not aware of this option,” Shamsheed said.
TP Sudheesh, the general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, pointed out that appointments are available in other GCC countries.
He added, “Applying at a US embassy or consulate in GCC countries may be more convenient. A lot of people who want to travel to the US and need a visa on an urgent basis are choosing this option and find it the easiest to skip the wait times.”
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi advises applicants to arrive at the Consular Section 15 minutes before their appointment.
Children under 14 do not need to attend visa interviews unless specifically instructed by the parents or guardians.
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